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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

Deflated about son going to university - logistics

188 replies

manywanderings · 28/03/2026 22:53

So there I was getting all organised and excited about the bedding and kitchen items needed. We'd chatted about finances and accommodation choices put in. And thinking about when we drop him off in September and reading about how parents get them at least helped unpacked and settled in the room. And when I mentioned about driving him over and everything fitting in the car and maybe we'd need a roof rack he just nodded. Then he said maybe he could drive his friend over in his car and take his friend's stuff and we could drive his stuff over. We both said no. (Hard enough dealing with one boy's logistics and two would be too much). He just walked off. I feel quite gutted. Basically he doesn't want us there - he just wants to go off with his friend - they are going to the same university. He said I won't need much - just my clothes and computer. I said yes you will there's a big packing list - bedding, kitchen equipment, laundry bag and so on. So just offloading there. It affects us too - him effectively leaving home.

So I know that's the case, he suggested it twice and we said no twice. He was the same when it came to an open day - wanted to go independtly with his friend and didn't want us there. I know at 18, and driving, they are adults, but - it's a transition for us too. And it hurts because we are sacrificing a lot for him to go and we're going to be living on so little to help fund him (obviously I haven't told him that and it's not "pay as you go", but we're doing it out of love and ouch it hurts that he doesn't even want to share that first moment there with us. He just wants to go independently. I could almost accept that, except logistically we will have to go - there is too much stuff. And it'll be harder now knowing he doesn't really want us to. Presumably doesn't want embarrassing parents there. Even though everyone has that.

OP posts:
Nocameltoeleggingsplease · 28/03/2026 22:57

I remember waking up in the night aching with worry from about February onwards when DD was going to uni. How would I actually survive. I can honestly say; it’s been fine. Let him lead. Now; in March, he thinks this is what he wants. Because it’s a hypothetical. It may very well change. But if you fuss, he’ll be entrenched even if he’d rather not do it. Just say ‘well whatever you want at the time’. It’ll be ok. Even if it doesn’t feel like it now.

feralballerina · 28/03/2026 22:58

Surely as a parent you focus on his needs not putting yourself centre stage at uni drop off?

Have a nice meal to celebrate before he goes. Then wave him off with a big smile.

All his new peers will be there. It's quite natural not to want you there.

dotdotdotdash · 28/03/2026 23:00

Please don’t take this the wrong way, I’ve got a DS planning to go away to university this year so going through it too… but… his university experience isn’t about you. And the dropping off thing is just one day in your lives. And it’s not for six months yet and he might not end up at the same place as his mate even! Focus on the now and do something nice with him this weekend!

DingleDungle · 28/03/2026 23:06

I can see why it feels like a rejection but it's just growing up

It actually bodes really well for him that he was independent enough to attend open days without parents.

manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:14

DingleDungle · 28/03/2026 23:06

I can see why it feels like a rejection but it's just growing up

It actually bodes really well for him that he was independent enough to attend open days without parents.

Thanks. Yes he's a bit too independent sometimes. It's hard to feel we're not needed at all! I suppose it was just I thought it was expected that everyone had their parents take them.

OP posts:
CypressGrove · 28/03/2026 23:20

Its not even until September. Many 18 year olds would feel smothered by their mum fussing about something so far away.

ChangeAgainAgainAgain · 28/03/2026 23:26

This is his adventure, not yours.

Stop making it all about you, and be proud to have raised an independent young adult.

Looksgood · 28/03/2026 23:27

He's off on an adventure. He has to meet his new peers and he will do that as his new university self. For some people, it's hard to do this with family involved or looking on. I remember explaining this to my mum on my own account and it was such a strong feeling - this is the place where I'm going as an adult for a new phase of my life. I could meet anyone. I need to be free to take it as it comes.

Think how you'd feel if your partner came in with you on your first day at work.

I loved and love my mum and family dearly - it really had nothing to do with that. I hope you can let him do this without any sadness.

LeDix · 28/03/2026 23:30

I think you are using taking his stuff over as an excuse, I went to uni on the train with 2 big suitcases and a backpack.

TartanCurtain · 28/03/2026 23:30

I went to all my open days alone. I don't remember feeling that was odd or different to others either.

I have a lovely relationship with my parents. I was just growing up and moving on.

SunSeaSky · 28/03/2026 23:31

DS started uni in October.
This time last year he was very stressed about A Levels, grades, etc. I'm sure he was also deep down very stressed about leaving home, etc even though he insisted to everyone that he couldn't wait.
He didn't want to discuss details.
Honestly, I think it's too soon.
Wait until exams are over and results are out.
He may feel very differently when reality hits.
If not though you have to accept that this is his thing, his choice about how he wants to move on, even though it may not not be what you want.
We found that DS was very keen for us to drop and go on moving in day. Since then on subsequent visits, he is much more relaxed and comfortable.

feralballerina · 28/03/2026 23:31

manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:14

Thanks. Yes he's a bit too independent sometimes. It's hard to feel we're not needed at all! I suppose it was just I thought it was expected that everyone had their parents take them.

It's a sign you have done your job well!

Definitely not expected. And those parents that do drop are generally expected to make themselves scarce as quickly as possible

feralballerina · 28/03/2026 23:33

What I did like was meeting my parents for lunch in a different but nearby city a few weeks into term

And once I was settled I often reappeared with a pack of friends in tow.

Just be proud your child is ready and excited for the next adventure

manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:36

SunSeaSky · 28/03/2026 23:31

DS started uni in October.
This time last year he was very stressed about A Levels, grades, etc. I'm sure he was also deep down very stressed about leaving home, etc even though he insisted to everyone that he couldn't wait.
He didn't want to discuss details.
Honestly, I think it's too soon.
Wait until exams are over and results are out.
He may feel very differently when reality hits.
If not though you have to accept that this is his thing, his choice about how he wants to move on, even though it may not not be what you want.
We found that DS was very keen for us to drop and go on moving in day. Since then on subsequent visits, he is much more relaxed and comfortable.

Yes you're right it's a bit early. It came up because we were talking about accommodation options the day before and he put his choices in. I just thought it was normal that parents take them and help them unpack and settle in. Maybe it's different because a friend is going to the same place. And yes that might change depending on if they both get their grades!

OP posts:
manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:38

feralballerina · 28/03/2026 23:33

What I did like was meeting my parents for lunch in a different but nearby city a few weeks into term

And once I was settled I often reappeared with a pack of friends in tow.

Just be proud your child is ready and excited for the next adventure

I suppose I have this fear that that will be it - he won't need us any more! I don't think he'll be homesick - he has a couple of friends going. It's like we don't matter any more. I think it's maybe easier with girls - is that the case?

OP posts:
Anyahyacinth · 28/03/2026 23:40

I visited my uni on my own for interview and chose myself. Dad literally help me take my stuff to my room, after driving me - no car) and headed home. I think the day is about meeting fellow students …not really an elaborate goodbye (as it isn’t a goodbye…it’s a beginning)

Scripturient · 28/03/2026 23:43

manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:36

Yes you're right it's a bit early. It came up because we were talking about accommodation options the day before and he put his choices in. I just thought it was normal that parents take them and help them unpack and settle in. Maybe it's different because a friend is going to the same place. And yes that might change depending on if they both get their grades!

It’s pretty much drop and go for parents who do drop their kids off. I mean, surely you weren’t imagining bustling around making his bed and unpacking his clothes?

Pride yourself on having raised an independent young person ready for his next adventure.

cestlavielife · 28/03/2026 23:46

Help unpack?
No . ...
Load boxes to their toom, take for a meal maybe wave bye bye

Be lead by your ds.
Dont worry about packing list. There will be argos and amazon if anything missing.
Breathe and try step back.

Scripturient · 28/03/2026 23:47

manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:38

I suppose I have this fear that that will be it - he won't need us any more! I don't think he'll be homesick - he has a couple of friends going. It's like we don't matter any more. I think it's maybe easier with girls - is that the case?

I can only speak for myself, but I got a scholarship to study at a university in another country, so my parents only saw the campus on my graduation day. I went home briefly at Christmas and the summer vac, but otherwise it was a weekly phone call and letters.

ChangeAgainAgainAgain · 28/03/2026 23:49

manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:38

I suppose I have this fear that that will be it - he won't need us any more! I don't think he'll be homesick - he has a couple of friends going. It's like we don't matter any more. I think it's maybe easier with girls - is that the case?

Do you have anything else in your life apart from your son? You seem to be rather over invested and as though your self worth comes from being a parent.

Your son has grown up, you did your job well. Time to move on to the next stage of your life.

manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:51

ChangeAgainAgainAgain · 28/03/2026 23:49

Do you have anything else in your life apart from your son? You seem to be rather over invested and as though your self worth comes from being a parent.

Your son has grown up, you did your job well. Time to move on to the next stage of your life.

Edited

No not really any more. We're older for parents. It's going to be a huge change.

OP posts:
manywanderings · 28/03/2026 23:52

Scripturient · 28/03/2026 23:47

I can only speak for myself, but I got a scholarship to study at a university in another country, so my parents only saw the campus on my graduation day. I went home briefly at Christmas and the summer vac, but otherwise it was a weekly phone call and letters.

Weekly phone calls and letters sounds good actually! I'm not sure we'll get much like that! Maybe a text will be replied to occasionally.

OP posts:
Anyahyacinth · 28/03/2026 23:52

How about diverting your attention by creating a surprise care package for him so maybe inside one of the key books related to his studies ..a lovely note about how much he means to you, how proud you are or some other nice memory and comfort, a surprise coffee shop voucher, cold cures for the first time you are away from you mum and poorly etc etc… you could make something really lovely, not cloying and pour all your love into planning that ..this is an exciting time he will have so much to tell you

Thistooshallpsss · 28/03/2026 23:57

I gave them all a bag with various useful /nice things in plus created a first aid kit and one of those orange tool kits from ikea. They were the only students with a screwdriver and they all kept them and used them. Definitely drop , lunch briefly because everyone is trying to do that then get out so they can start to make friends on their own.

There are moments of loss but launching successfully is worth all the pain. You love them and let them go.

converseandjeans · 28/03/2026 23:59

I think it’s a good sign that he is independent & happy to go off and do his own thing. Does he have his own car? I think it would be embarrassing to have parents faffing around in the student halls. I think my parents just helped me unload and then left me to it. I think it’s a bit early to be planning it all - there’s a lot going on between now & end of September.

I think you need to leave him to it & focus on building up a social life without him. Do you have any other children?